Youth charged after footballer stabbed remanded in custody

A youth who appeared in court charged with wounding with intent has been remanded in custody.

The 17-year-old Crawley boy appeared before magistrates today (Monday October 26) after a football player was stabbed in the neck during a game.

Police have appealed for witnesses after the 26-year-old Crawley man was assaulted near Cherry Lane, Langley Green following a burglary on Saturday afternoon (October 24).

A spokesman for Sussex Police said: “Officers were called to the football club at around 2.20pm after a report property had been stolen from the changing rooms.

“Players found a bag containing most of the stolen items in woodland near the back of the playing field, along with a group of youths. One of the suspects was confronted and produced a knife, stabbing one of the players in the neck causing serious but not life-threatening injuries.”

The victim was taken to St George’s Hospital in London where his condition was described as stable.

A 17-year-old boy from Crawley was arrested and subsequently charged with wounding with intent. He appeared before magistrates on Monday (October 26) and has been remanded to prison to appear at Worthing Youth Court on Thursday (October 29).

A 17 year-old boy from Crawley was arrested on suspicion of burglary and bailed until December 8.

An 18-year-old man from Crawley was arrested on suspicion of burglary, possession of cannabis, theft and conspiring to cause grievous bodily harm. He has been released on bail until December 8.

Detective Sergeant Karrie Bohanna said: “This was a shocking but isolated incident and we are keen to speak with anyone who may have seen something suspicious in the area.